256 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. XXIX. 



spection of the limb, which, although dreadfully 

 burnt and lacerated, was providentially unbroken. 

 Our skill in surgei-y being exercised with good effect, 

 the wound healed rapidly ; and I, feeling obliged 

 to the patient for the little assistance he had oc- 

 casionally afforded me in the field, again resigned 

 my cot to him during the day ; a piece of kindness 

 which, like the rest of his unthankful tribe, he 

 mistook for weakness, repaying me in the end by 

 the grossest ingratitude. 



Every feature of this part of the country was 

 beautiful beyond description. Grassy meads, span- 

 gled with brilliant flowers, extended between rich 

 masses of grove and forest. Stately trees were fes- 

 tooned with clambering vines, or scented creepers. 

 Here the gorgeous aloe reared its coral tufts above 

 the olive brake — and there the meadows were flushed 

 with the crimson or lilac hues of the poppy and 

 amaryllis. Amongst a variety of animals, a herd 

 of elephants was visible from the waggons ; and, 

 the next day, from the top of a commanding 

 eminence, we again saw the face of the highly 

 picturesque landscape covered with these stately 

 beasts, browsing in indolent security, and bathing 

 in the pellucid stream. Upon being attacked, one 

 hundred at least, 



" Trampling their path through wood and brake. 

 And canes which, crackUng, fell before their way," 



rushed franticly down a ravine, with upraised ears, 

 and tossing trunks, screaming wildly, and levelling 

 every thing before them. A shot, fired from the 



